Tuesday, December 15, 2009

TONYA & VEGAS DOUBLE DOWN

Now that we have caught you up on all the wins around the country, we can indulge in a little more sharing of this weekend’s AKC/Eukanuba National Championship. Sunday evening’s main attraction may have been the crowning of our National Champion, the Scottish Terrier, CH Roundtown Mercedes Of Maryscot, but there were other events that we were glad we got to see.

First, the Bred By Exhibitor Best In Show. Our professional handlers are a dedicated, talented lot, but for all out enthusiasm it’s hard to beat the Bred By class. Now that’s not to imply that these exhibitors are any less talented handlers. In fact, some of them are professionals.

With over 50 years as an AKC judge, Helen Lee James brought an incredible breadth of experience to the ring. Her finalists were the Golden Retriever, CH Rush Hill's River Road Payoff, the Basset Hound, CH Splash’s The Professor, the Boxer, CH R And G’s Mystical Dancer, the American Staffordshire Terrier, CH Castle Rock’s Sbigstaff Mad About You, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, CH Full Of Malarkey Miles Of Aisles, the Standard Poodle, CH Unique Jewel Of The Crown, and the German Shepherd Dog, CH Kaleef's Katarina V Kenlyn.

Hitting the jackpot was Tonya Struble with her Golden, Vegas. It was a double down weekend for Tonya and Vegas. Not only did they win the Bred By BIS, they also won the breed over the number four dog all breeds and a Group Two in overall competition. Congratulations to Tonya, her co-breeders Mike & Suzzane Rapier, and co-owners Mark Strubelk & Kelsey Dunn.

NUMBER EIGHT

NUMBER NINE

NUMBER TEN

SHOW INFO

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The author has been attending dog shows as a spectator and exhibitor for over 45 years. He is a retired management consultant who has advised multiple organizations affiliated with the AKC and the Cat Fanciers Association on business management, long range planning, customer service, and legislative matters. After 25 years of living in the big cities of New York, San Francisco, and Washington, DC, he now resides in his hometown of Memphis, TN.

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